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Services and facilities

At Melbourne Zoo, we offer a range of services and facilities designed to make your visit with us more enjoyable.

Our services include a range of delicious food options from bistro dining to eating on the go, gift and souvenir shopping, function and venue hire, wheelchair and pusher hire, first aid, guided tours and carousel rides.

Parents' room

Our parents’ room provides all the essentials you need to handle a day out with small children. We have a kitchenette, sinks, toilets, and private breastfeeding rooms – and children can interact with the purpose-built play-wall.

Free guided tours

Enjoy a free guided tour around the Zoo with our friendly volunteer guides. Tours are subject to availability.

For impromptu tours on the day please check availability at Melbourne Zoo Reception, located at the front gate, or the Information Office, located at the Rail Gate.

Guide mobile tours

If you are mobility-impaired, we have guide mobile tours available from our friendly volunteer guides.

The guide mobile is an electric vehicle that carries up to three passengers at a time. It travels at walking pace, so carers can tour along on foot. As this is a volunteer-led service, guide mobile tours are subject to the availability of volunteers. Please note there are safety limitations on where the guide mobile can travel through the Zoo grounds and the tour runs for approximately one hour.

For impromptu tours on the day please check availability at Melbourne Zoo Reception, located at the front gate, or the Information Office, located at the Rail Gate.

Zoo shops

Make your visit last by bringing home a souvenir – or a gift for a loved one.

We offer an extensive range, including t-shirts, handmade jewellery, toys and books. All profits contribute to providing world-class care of our animals.

Our gift shops are located near the main and rail exits, at Wild Sea, Bugs & Butterflies and at Trail of the Elephants, where you’ll find a unique range of elephant souvenirs and Asian handicrafts.

Our shops are open every day of the year.

Carousel

Melbourne Zoo’s carousel was built in England in 1878 and imported to Australia in the 1880s. It travelled the show circuit until 1963, before it finally arrived at Melbourne Zoo. It was lovingly restored, with the help of Heritage Victoria, in 2005.

Bring along the kids for for some old-fashioned fun. Open 11.30am–2pm (weekends, public holidays and school holidays). Closing times may vary, depending on visitor demand.

Rides are $3 each (GST inclusive).

Wheelchairs and pushers

Melbourne Zoo has an easy-to-follow pathway system, with access for people using wheelchairs and pushers.

Limited wheelchairs and pushers are also available for hire. Photographic identification is required.

Wheelchair cost: Free hire, bookings essential. Tel: (03) 9285 9300

Pusher cost: $15 hire plus $20 refundable deposit (GST inclusive)

Lockers

Lockers are also available for hire, at both entrances to the zoo. The cost is $12, with a $6 fully refundable deposit.